Where I live, we have a government that believes in a "strong, free democracy" and protects its countrymen from discrimination and acts of crime. While people will always voice their complaints about the legal system, I believe that we are fortunate to have what we have. No wars, no massacre or riots, no restrictions on access to media and information. We are free to live. To have boundless dreams and to achieve them. To be part of communities and feel that we belong. To work and earn a fair wage. To have rights and not be discriminated against for being born of a certain race or sex.
And for me, I was extremely blessed to have been welcomed to this country by a warm and kind homestay guardian when I came here for my tertiary education. To then have adjusted to the changes in my lifestyle quite easily and to have found myself 11 years later in a workplace where I am comfortable in my own skin. To be able to verbalise my thoughts and be heard. To build on my skills and strengths and to realise areas for personal and professional development.
To not wake up and wonder how I am going to afford my rent or put food on the table. To have the luxuries of cooking dishes from international cookbooks. To have a body that fully functions and a mind that enjoys a good challenge. To be surrounded by people who are motivated and aspire to be leaders in their own right.
To remember the beautiful couple who brought me to life and taught me to be myself, to be genuine and carefree and who bravely let me go to be the best that I can be. Note to self, call home.
Not forgetting the man who taught me to say "I love you". Who gets upset when I get upset. Who reaches out to me when I can no longer find a way. Who dances to the same beat as I do.
I am blessed.
And it is time to give back. Time to change my ways and to make a difference in the work that I do. To impact the lives of others in nourishing and fulfilling ways. To instil faith back into humanity and give a little more heart in what we do. To dig deeper. To bring value where value is needed the most.
What can we do to bring the extraordinary out from the bore-dinary?
l will start by knowing who I work with. Beyond the filters of their brave and smiling faces. To know what they want. Or help them discover what it is that they want. And find way to help them achieve their goals. Or perhaps, shed new light on a dusty old grudge or point of disappointment. To listen.
I need [not want] to reconnect with my family. To make an effort in our conversations or there lack of. To appreciate them for being there for me and to show appreciation. To make our relationships work.
And to find a charity organisation to fight for.
Do the skies light up where you are?
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